3rd SOK commandos clear village in Maiwand District

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Afghan commandos of the 3rd Special Operations Kandak searched the Usman Khel village in Maiwand District for weapons caches Jan. 6 to disrupt and destroy Taliban supply routes.

“We know the Taliban bring weapons and fighters through the Reg Desert and through this village and others that border the desert,” said Ali Jan, a platoon sergeant with the SOK.

Although the commandos didn’t find any caches throughout the operation, Taliban fighters attacked the patrol on several occasions, reported the commandos.

The commandos overwhelmed the enemy fighters, forcing them to retreat each time.

“They tried to kill us, but instead ran away like cowards,” said Jan.

Afghan commandos continue to prove they are a well-trained and lethal force in the ongoing fight against the Taliban. Trained and advised by U.S. Special Operations Forces, they are skilled in counterinsurgency, reconnaissance, and clearing operations.

“Our commandos will continue to push the Taliban out of [the] Kandahar, Uruzgan, and Zabul provinces, and will be a key factor in pushing the Taliban out of Afghanistan,” added Maj. Abdul Manan, 3rd SOK commander.